Meaning: Bean grower
Origin: French
Pronunciation: fa BEE en
Description: Fabienne is a French name meaning ‘bean grower’. It is also the feminine version of the name Fabien.
Meaning: Chaste
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: fah HEE mah
Description: Fahima is a variation of the name Fatima.
Alternative spellings: Faatimah, Fatema, Fathima, Fatima, Fatimah
Meaning: Full of knowledge
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: fah ME dah
Description: Fahmida is a name of Arabic origins said to mean ‘full of knowledge’. It is predominantly used by parents of the Muslim faith.
Alternative spellings: Fameda, Famida
Meaning: Faith
Origin: English
Pronunciation: FAYTH
Description: The name Faith comes directly from the word meaning ‘confident belief in the truth or a person or idea’.
Alternative spellings: Faithe, Fayth
Meaning: Successful
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: FAH ee za
Description: Faiza is a name of Arabic origin that means ‘successful’. Although uncommon in Britain, Faiza is a popular name in African and Arabic countries.
Alternative spellings: Faizah, Fayiza
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Chief
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: FAH lin
Description: Fallon is an anglicised version of the Irish surname Fallamhain, which means ‘chief’.
Alternative spellings: Fallan
Meaning: Cheerful
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: FAH rah
Description: Farah is a name of Arabic origin and means ‘cheerful’.
Alternative spellings: Fara, Farrah
Meaning: Happiness; towering
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: FAH ree ah
Description: Faria could be of Arabic origin and mean ‘towering’. It could also mean ‘happiness’.
Alternative spellings: Fariah, Farya
Meaning: Happiness
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: fah REE ha
Description: Fariha comes from an old Arabic word meaning ‘happiness’.
Alternative spellings: Farihah, Faryha
Meaning: Angel
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: far YAAL
Description: Faryal is an Arabic feminine name meaning ‘angel’. Related names include Faryaal, Farryal and Farryaal.
Alternative spellings: Faryaal, Farrya, Farryaal
Meaning: Chaste
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: FAT ma
Description: Fatma is a Turkish variation of the feminine Arabic name Fatima. It is a popular name among Muslim parents.
Alternative spellings: Fatmah
Meaning: Fortunate
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: foss TEEN ah
Description: Faustina is a Latin name meaning ‘fortunate’. It comes from the Latin word ‘faustus’, which gives the name its meaning.
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Fairy
Origin: English
Pronunciation: FAY
Description: Fay is the traditional word for ‘fairy’. It is commonly used as a pet form for Faith.
Alternative spellings: Faye
Meaning: Happy times
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: feh LEE shah; feh LISS eh ah
Description: Felicia derives from the Latin phrase ‘tempora felicia’ meaning ‘happy times’. It is thought to be the feminine equivalent of Felix.
Alternative spellings: Felicya, Felisia
Meaning: Happy; fortunate
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: feh LISS it ee
Description: Like Felicia, Felicity derives from the Latin ‘felicia’ meaning ‘happy’. It is also the feminine form of Felix, which means good fortune.
Alternative spellings: Feliciti, Felicitie
Meaning: Fern plant
Origin: English
Pronunciation: fern
Description: Fern is a feminine name of English origin and comes from the English word for the fern plant. The variant form Fearne has developed to differentiate the name from the plant, and is becoming the more popular form, aided perhaps by the fame of the English radio and television presenter Fearne Cotton.
Alternative spellings: Fearne, Ferne
Meaning: Foxglove
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: FEE on
Description: Ffion is a name of Welsh origin and is derived from the Welsh name for the foxglove flower.
Alternative spellings: Fion, Fionn, Fyon
Meaning: The Lord gave more
Origin: French
Pronunciation: fee fee
Description: Fifi is a diminutive of the name Josephine and as such, shares the same meaning of ‘the Lord gave more’.
Meaning: Fair-haired
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: fee OH na
Description: Fiona derives from the Gaelic word ‘fionn’ meaning ‘fair’, and shares this derivation with the masculine names Finn and Finlay.
Alternative spellings: Fionah, Fyona
Meaning: Breeze
Origin: Urdu
Pronunciation: FEE zah
Description: The name Fiza is most likely of Urdu origin and is popular with Muslim parents.
Alternative spellings: Fizah, Fyza
Meaning: Flower
Origin: French
Pronunciation: FLURE
Description: Fleur comes from the French word for ‘flower’.
Meaning: Happy; fortunate
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: FLIK
Description: Flick is a colloquial pet name for a girl named Felicity. It is not often used as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Flic, Flik
Meaning: Happiness; luck; good fortune
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: flyss
Description: Fliss is an English name that is related to Felicity and shares the same meaning, ‘happiness’. Both names have roots in the Latin word ‘felicitas’, meaning ‘luck’ or ‘good fortune’.
Meaning: Flower
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: FLO
Description: Flo is a short form for Florence or Flora, but is also becoming a name in its own right. Thanks to its meaning of ‘flower’ the name Flo has connotations of beauty and serenity.
Alternative spellings: Flow
Meaning: Flower
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: FLOR ah
Description: The name Flora comes from the Latin word ‘flos’ , meaning ‘flower’. It is also the name of the Roman mythological goddess of flowers and the spring.
Alternative spellings: Flaura, Florah
Meaning: Blossoming
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: FLOR ence
Description: Florence derives from the Latin male name Florentius.
Alternative spellings: Florense, Florenze
Meaning: Blooming
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: floor EN teen uh
Description: Florentina is a Latin name meaning ‘blooming’. The Latin root ‘flora’ means that this name has a strong connotation with flowers and plants.
Meaning: Blossoming
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: FLOH ree
Description: Florrie came about as a pet form of the name Florence, but is now found used as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Flori, Florri, Florry
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: From France
Origin: English
Pronunciation: FRAN
Description: Fran is a short form of names such as Francesca, Francis or Frances. It is sometimes used as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Franne
Meaning: From France
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: FRAN sis
Description: The feminine equivalent of Francis, an Italian nickname for a man from France.
Alternative spellings: Francesse
Meaning: From France
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: fran CHESS cuh
Description: The Italian form of Frances, Francesca originally existed as a word for ‘French’ and still carries its meaning of ‘from France’.
Alternative spellings: Franceska, Franchesca
Meaning: From France
Origin: French
Pronunciation: fran SEEN
Description: Francine is the feminine version of Francis and as such, shares the same meaning of ‘from France’.
Meaning: Liberated person from France
Origin: French
Pronunciation: FRAN kee
Description: Frankie is a unisex name that means ‘he who is free’ if taken from the French name Frank, or ‘person from France’ if taken from the Latin name Francis.
Alternative spellings: Franckie, Franki, Franky
Meaning: Peace
Origin: German
Pronunciation: FREE dah
Description: Freida is a name of German origin and is a shortened variant of Alfreda. It was common in the early 20th century but has since declined in popularity.
Alternative spellings: Freda, Frida
Meaning: Nickname
Origin: English
Pronunciation: fren CHEE
Description: Frenchy is a possible nickname for Francine or Francesca, but could stand as a given name on its own. Frenchy is a character from the popular movie, Grease.
Alternative spellings: Frenchie
Meaning: Goddess of love
Origin: Scandinavian
Pronunciation: FRAY yuh
Description: Freya was the goddess of love in Scandinavian mythology, whose name was derived from the Germanic word ‘frouwa’, meaning ‘lady’.
Alternative spellings: Freja, Freyja
Meaning: Wisteria child
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: foo JEE ko
Description: This popular Japanese girls’ name is made up of the element ‘fuji’, which means ‘wisteria’, and ‘ko’, which means ‘child’.
Alternative spellings: Fujeko, Fujico
Meaning: Strong beautiful child
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: foo MEE ko
Description: This Japanese girls’ name may mean ‘child of treasured body’ or ‘child of abundant beauty’. Parents hope a child with this name will grow to be a strong successful woman.
Alternative spellings: Fumeko, Fumico
Meaning: Strength from God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: GAB ree EL la
Description: Gabriella is an elaboration upon the girls’ name Gabrielle, derived from the archangel Gabriel in Christian belief.
Alternative spellings: Gabriela
Meaning: Strength in God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: GAB ree ELL
Description: Gabrielle is the feminine equivalent of the biblical name Gabriel and means ‘strength in God’.
Alternative spellings: Gabriele
Meaning: Strength from God
Origin: French
Pronunciation: gah BEE
Description: Gaby is a French feminine version of the name Gabriel and as such, shares the same meaning of ‘strength from God’.
Alternative spellings: Gabby
Meaning: Earth mother
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: GAY a; GUY a
Description: In Greek mythology, Gaia was the goddess of Earth and the great mother of all.
Alternative spellings: Gaiaa, Gaiya, Gaya
Meaning: Father of exaltation
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: GAYL
Description: Gail is a girls’ name of Hebrew origin and a shortened variant of Abigail.
Alternative spellings: Gael, Gale
Meaning: Precious stone
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: JEM ma
Description: The popular name Gemma comes from an Italian nickname for ‘gem’, a ‘precious stone’.
Alternative spellings: Jemma
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Birth
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: jeh EH sis
Description: Genesis is a Greek name meaning ‘birth’. It is also one of the most famous books in the Old Testament in the Bible, which tells of the creation of the world and Adam and Eve. Because it is the name of the creation story, the meaning of ‘birth’ is very appropriate.
Meaning: Woman
Origin: German
Pronunciation: JEN eh veev
Description: Genevieve is a French name of Old German origin. It comes from the words ‘geno’ meaning ‘people’, and ‘wefa’ meaning ‘woman’. Genevieve is the name of the patron saint of Paris.
Alternative spellings: Geneveve, Genevive
Meaning: Farmer; earth worker
Origin: French
Pronunciation: jorge ETTE
Description: Georgette is the female version of the name George, and as such shares the same meaning of ‘farmer’ or ‘earth worker’.
Meaning: Farmer
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: JAW yuh
Description: This feminine form of George was borne by a 5th-century saint. Georgia is a country on the east coast of the Black Sea and a US state.
Alternative spellings: Georgea, Jorgia, Jorja
Meaning: Farmer
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: jor jee AHN ah
Description: Georgiana is a feminine version of the Greek name George. Georgiana was popular in the 18th century but now the preferred feminine version is Georgina.
Alternative spellings: Georgeana, Jorgiana
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Farmer
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: jor JEE na
Description: First rising to popularity in Scotland in the 18th century, the name Georgina is the feminine version of the Greek name George, meaning ‘farmer’.
Alternative spellings: Georgena, Jorgina
Meaning: Spear ruler
Origin: French
Pronunciation: geral DEEN
Description: Geraldine is the French and feminine version of the name Gerald and as such, they share the same meaning of ‘spear ruler’.
Meaning: Spear strength
Origin: German
Pronunciation: gert RUDE
Description: Gertrude is a German name composed of the elements of ‘ger’ meaning ‘spear’ and ‘thrud’ meaning ‘strength’.
Alternative spellings:
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: GEE ah
Description: Gia is a pet form of the name Gianna, which itself is a shortened version of the Italian name Giovanna. Gia is now given as a first name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Giah, Jia
Meaning: Farmer; earth worker
Origin: French
Pronunciation: gee gee
Description: Gigi is most likely a French diminutive of Georgine, which in turn is the female version of George, meaning ‘farmer’ or ‘earth worker’.
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: gee AR na
Description: Gianna is a short form of the Italian name Giovanna, the feminine version of Giovanni. The name is popular in Italy and America.
Alternative spellings: Geanna, Jianna
Meaning: Gillyflower
Origin: English
Pronunciation: jil EE
Description: Gilly was invented for the Game of Thrones series, and is named after the gillyflower. She is one of the many daughters of Craster in the story.
Meaning: Queen; farmer
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: JEE na
Description: Gina came about as a pet form of the names Regina and Georgina. Regina is an Italian name that means ‘queen’, while Georgina, like George, means ‘farmer’.
Alternative spellings: Gena, Jeana
Meaning: Of the virgin
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: jin EE
Description: Ginny is a Latin name meaning ‘of the virgin’. Ginny Weasley is a well known character in the Harry Potter series.
Alternative spellings: Jinny
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: GEE oh VAR na
Description: Giovanna is the feminine form of the Italian name Giovanni, itself derived from the name John. Giovanna, Giovanni, Gianna and Gio all share the same meaning as the name John, which is ‘God is gracious’.
Alternative spellings: Giovana, Giovannah
Meaning: Promised
Origin: German
Pronunciation: ji ZEL
Description: Giselle is of Old German origin, said to mean ‘one who was promised’. The spelling Gisele is very popular in France.
Alternative spellings: Gisele, Gisell
Meaning: Youth
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: JOO le ah
Description: Guilia is an Italian girls’ name. The anglicised version is Julia.
Alternative spellings: Jiulia, Julia
Meaning: Youthful; graceful
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: giu LEE ana
Description: Giuliana is an Italian name derived from the Latin word ‘iuliana’ meaning ‘youthful’ or ‘graceful’. Many argue that it is a combination of Julia and Anna.
Meaning: Country
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: GLAD iss
Description: Gladys is a Welsh girls’ name of many possible origins. It could come from the Old Welsh name ‘gwladus’, which means ‘country’ or ‘nation’. There are also suggestions that the name could stem from ‘gwledig’ meaning ‘ruler’, or even that it might be a Welsh version of Claudia.
Alternative spellings: Gladis, Gladiss, Gladyss
Meaning: Glory
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: GLOR ee ah
Description: The name Gloria derives directly from the Latin word for ‘glory’.
Alternative spellings: Gloriah, Gloriya
Meaning: High honour
Origin: English
Pronunciation: gloor EE
Description: Glory comes from the English vocabulary word of the same spelling and means ‘high honour’.
Meaning: River Godavari
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: GOH da
Description: Goda is a very rare and unusual name of uncertain meaning. It seems to have Sanskrit origins and is thought to come from the name of the River Godavari in India.
Alternative spellings: Godah
Meaning: Elegance
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: GRAYSE
Description: The name Grace, meaning ‘elegance’, came to prominence in the 1540s and was particularly popular in Scotland and northern England.
Alternative spellings: Grayce
Meaning: Elegance
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: GRAY see
Description: Gracie came about as a pet form of the name Grace. It is now a name in its own right and is sometimes given to boys.
Alternative spellings: Gracey, Graci
Meaning: Pearl; light’s creation
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: GREH ta
Description: Greta, an abbreviated form of Margaret, originates from Sweden and means ‘light’s creation’.
Alternative spellings: Gretah, Gretta
Meaning: Pearl
Origin: German
Pronunciation: gret EL
Description: Gretel is a diminuitive of Grete, which in turn is the short form of Margaret, meaning ‘pearl’. Gretel is one half of Hansel and Gretel, from the famous Brothers Grimm fairytale of a witch trying to eat the siblings.
Meaning: Absorbed in the guru’s readings
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: GOOR leen
Description: Gurleen is a name of Punjabi origin, and it means ‘absorbed in the guru’s readings’. It is often found in India where it is used mostly by Hindu parents.
Alternative spellings: Gerleen, Gurline
Meaning: From the Guadalupe River
Origin: Spanish
Pronunciation: GUA de loop eh
Description: Guadalupe is a Spanish place name referring to the town that was near the source of the Guadalupe River, which is a pilgrimage site due to the apparition of Our Lady of Guadelupe.
Meaning: Fair-haired
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: GWEN
Description: Gwen is both an independent name and the shortened form of the names Gwendolen and Gwyneth.
Alternative spellings: Gwenn, Gwyn
Meaning: Fair-haired; white ring
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: GWEN do len
Description: Gwendolen was the wife of the mythical Welsh king, Locrine. It is made up of ‘gwen’ , meaning ‘fair’ and ‘dolen’, a word for ‘eyebrows’.
Alternative spellings: Gwendolyn, Gwyndolen
Meaning: Fair-haired
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: GWIN eth
Description: Gwyneth comes from the Welsh name Gwynned, which is derived from the place in North Wales.
Alternative spellings: Gweneth, Gwenyth
Meaning: Wanderer
Origin: English
Pronunciation: gyp SEE
Description: Gypsy is derived from the English vocabulary word of the same spelling and means ‘wanderer’.
Meaning: Happy; delighted; content
Origin: Indian
Pronunciation: haa NEE ya
Description: Haaniya is an Indian girls’ name meaning ‘happy,’ ‘delighted’ or ‘content’.
Alternative spellings: Hanniyah, Haniya, Haniyah
Meaning: Beloved one
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: hah BEE bah
Description: Habiba is a name of Arabic origin and means ‘beloved one’. It is a popular name with parents of Pakistani descent and those following the Islamic religion.
Alternative spellings: Habbiba, Habibah
Meaning: Myrtle tree
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: had AH saah
Description: Hadassah is a Hebrew name meaning ‘myrtle tree’ and was the name of Queen Esther in the Old Testament. The myrtle tree is one of four types of tree that forms the lulav, a bouquet made up of palm fronds, willow, citron and myrtle tree branches for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
Alternative spellings: Hadassa
Meaning: Religious guide
Origin: Urdu
Pronunciation: HAH de ah
Description: Hadia is a name of Urdu origin, most commonly found in Pakistan and in Muslim communities across the world. Its meaning refers to a ‘guide on the path of righteousness’.
Alternative spellings: Hadiah, Hadya
Meaning: Religious guide
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HAH dee yah
Description: Hadiya is the feminine version of the masculine name Hadi, which is said to come from the Arabic for ‘true direction of religion’.
Alternative spellings: Hadija, Hadiyah
Meaning: Heather meadow
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAD ley
Description: Hadley is an uncommon given name but a popular surname. It is of Old English origin meaning ‘heather meadow’. It is also a unisex name.
Meaning: Lioness
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HAHF sa
Description: Hafsa means ‘lioness’. It is the name of one of the wives of the prophet Muhammad who looked after the Quran after Muhammad’s death. Hafsa is a popular girls’ name within Muslim communities.
Alternative spellings: Hafsah, Hafza
Meaning: Emigrant
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: hhaa JHAA r
Description: Hajar is a feminine Arabic name meaning ‘emigrant’. It also has Hebrew roots and can also mean ‘flight’.
Meaning: Promise of pilgrimage
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HIJ rah
Description: Hajra is a name that comes from ‘Hajj’, the name of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca made by Muslims. The name signifies a promise of pilgrimage to the newborn.
Alternative spellings: Hajrah
Meaning: Island nymph
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HAY lee ah
Description: In Greek mythology, the nymph Halia lived alone on the island that would later be named Rhodes.
Alternative spellings: Haliah, Hallia
Meaning: Gentle-mannered
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: ha LEE mah
Description: This Arabic name has some of its roots in the Swahili language and means ‘gentle’ or ‘mild mannered’. It is often shortened to pet forms such as Halma or Hallie.
Alternative spellings: Haleema, Haleemah, Halimah
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAL lee
Description: Halle is pronounced ‘hallie’ and could derive from the name Hallie or Hayley. The name Hallie has Norwegian and German roots, whereas Hayley is of Old English origin.
Alternative spellings: Halley, Halli, Hallie, Hally
Meaning: Circular aura of light
Origin: English
Pronunciation: Halo comes from the English vocabulary word of the same spelling and refers to the circle of light often seen on depictions of angels.
Description: hay LOH
Meaning: Dark-coloured berry
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HAM na
Description: Hamna comes from an Arabic word for a ‘dark-coloured berry’. In Islamic belief it was the name of the sister of one of the wives of the prophet Muhammad.
Alternative spellings: Hamnah
Meaning: Blissful
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HA nah
Description: Hana is a name of Arabic origin and its meaning is said to be ‘blissful’. It could also be considered a respelling of the popular name Hannah.
Alternative spellings: Hanna, Hannah
Meaning: Tenderness
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: hah NAN
Description: Hanan is a feminine Arabic name with roots meaning ‘tenderness’. Other variations of the name include Haneen, Hanin and even the Hebrew name, Hannah, which has a very similar meaning.
Meaning: Favoured by God; grace; blissful
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: HAH nee ah
Description: Hania is a name that comes from the Middle East and can be found in Hebrew and Arabic languages. It could be from the same origin as the names Anna and Hannah.
Alternative spellings: Haniah, Haniya
Meaning: Upholder of Islam
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: hah NEE fah
Description: The name Hanifa is the feminine form of the masculine Hanif and is popular with Muslim parents.
Alternative spellings: Hanifah, Hanifer
Meaning: Favoured by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: HAN nuh
Description: A biblical name borne by the mother of the prophet Samuel, from the Hebrew name Hanna. Hannah enjoyed a huge revival in the 1990s.
Alternative spellings: Hana, Hanna
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Hare and eagle
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAR leen
Description: Harleen is a feminine variation of the now unisex name Harley. Harleen also shares Harley’s meaning of ‘hare and eagle’.
Alternative spellings: Harlene, Harline
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Harmony
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: har MOAN ee a
Description: In Greek mythology, Harmonia was the immortal goddess of harmony and concord.
Alternative spellings: Harmoniai, Harmoniya
Meaning: Pleasing musical sound
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAR moh nee
Description: The name Harmony has been adapted from the English word. Like the name Melody, it is often used by parents who are fans of music.
Alternative spellings: Harmoney, Harmoni, Harmonie
Meaning: Harp-player
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAR per
Description: Harper was originally a surname used by those who had a history of playing the harp. It is now used as a unisex given name and was made famous in 2011 when David and Victoria Beckham named their first daughter Harper Seven Beckham.
Alternative spellings: Harpah, Harpor
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: German
Pronunciation: HA ri et
Description: Harriet is an anglicised version of the French name Henriette, the feminine form of Henry. It first appeared in the 17th century then rose in popularity over the next 200 years.
Alternative spellings: Hariet, Harriett, Harriette
Meaning: Beautiful one
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HAS nah
Description: Hasna is a name of uncertain meaning but it is generally considered to mean ‘beautiful one’ or ‘strong’.
Alternative spellings: Hasnah, Hazna
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: German
Pronunciation: HAT ee
Description: This pet form of Harriet is now a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Hatti, Hatty
Meaning: Capital of Cuba
Origin: Spanish
Pronunciation: hah VAH nah
Description: Havana is the capital city of Cuba, but is also a very popular modern name that is common in Spanish-speaking countries.
Alternative spellings: Havanah
Meaning: Place of safety; shelter
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAY ven
Description: Haven is directly taken from the English vocabulary word meaning ‘place of safety’ or ‘shelter’. While its literal meaning is a safe place for ships to dock, it has come to take on a general meaning of refuge.
Meaning: Full of life
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HA wah
Description: Like Hawa, Hawwa is the Arabic equivalent to the name Eve, the first woman created by Allah and predominantly used by Muslim parents.
Alternative spellings: Hawa, Hawwah
Meaning: Full of life
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: HAH yah
Description: Haya is a variation of the Hebrew name Chava, which means ‘full of life’. The name has long been used in the Middle East but is now spreading into other parts of the world.
Alternative spellings: Hayah, Hayar
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Clearing of hay
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAY lee
Description: The name Hayley comes from the surname adopted by those from Hailey in Oxfordshire. It is also a more modern spelling of the Old English name Hayleigh, which comes from the elements of ‘hay’ and ‘leigh’, meaning ‘a clearing of land’.
Alternative spellings: Hailey, Haylee, Hayleigh, Hayli, Haylie, Hailie
Meaning: Hazel tree; light brown
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HAY zell
Description: Hazel, a nut-bearing tree, is also a colour commonly used to describe light-brown eyes.
Alternative spellings: Hazelle, Hazile
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Heather
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HEH ther
Description: The name Heather comes from the moorland plant.
Alternative spellings: Heatha, Hether
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HE ba
Description: From an Arabic word meaning ‘gift’, Heba is mainly used by Muslim parents and is popular in Africa and the Middle East. It could also be a variation of the Greek name Hebe.
Alternative spellings: Heaba, Hebah
Meaning: Youthful
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEE bee
Description: In Greek myth, Hebe was the name of the goddess of youth. The name could also come from New Zealand, where Hebe is a native plant.
Alternative spellings: Heaby, Hebi, Hebie
Meaning: Triple-formed
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEK a tee
Description: In Greek mythology, Hecate was an ancient goddess of dark places, often associated with ghosts, witches and sorcery.
Alternative spellings: Hecatee, Hekate
Meaning: Worker
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEK yoo bah
Description: In Greek mythology, Hecuba was married to King Priam of Troy, with whom she had 19 children.
Alternative spellings: Hecabe, Hecueba, Hekuba
Meaning: Noble
Origin: German
Pronunciation: HI dee
Description: Heidi is a Swiss pet form of Adelheid, the German form of Adelaide.
Alternative spellings: Heidie, Heidy
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEL en
Description: The mythical Helen of Troy was known as ‘the face which launched a thousand ships’. The name has associations of extreme beauty.
Alternative spellings: Hellen
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEL eh nuh; hel AY nah
Description: A Latinate form of Helen. Helena carries the same associations of beauty as the name Helen.
Alternative spellings: Helenah, Helene
Meaning: She-bear
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEL ee see
Description: In Greek mythology, Helice was beloved by Zeus, but Hera, out of jealousy, metamorphosed her into a she-bear, whereupon Zeus placed her among the stars.
Alternative spellings: Helise, Helyce
Meaning: Day
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: he MEE ra
Description: In Greek mythology, Hemera was one of the earliest Greek deities and the personification and goddess of daytime.
Alternative spellings: Hemerah, Hemira
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Choice
Origin: Irish
Pronunciation: hen ESS ee
Description: Hennessy is a surname meaning derived from the Irish word ‘aonghus’ meaning ‘choice.’ This follows the contemporary trend of using last names as first names.
Meaning: Ruler of the home
Origin: German
Pronunciation: hen ree EH tah
Description: Henrietta, the feminine equivalent of Henry, was made popular in 17th-century England when Charles I married Henrietta Marie.
Alternative spellings: Henriette, Henryetta
Meaning: Lady
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEH rah
Description: In Greek mythology, Hera was the queen of the ancient Greek pantheon. She was the wife of Zeus and the goddess of marriage, childbirth and the home.
Alternative spellings: Heera, Herah
Meaning: Travel
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: her MY o nee
Description: In Greek mythology, Hermione was the daughter of Helen of Troy and Menelaus, King of Sparta.
Alternative spellings: Hermioney, Hermioni
Meaning: Courage
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HERE row
Description: In Greek mythology, Hero was a priestess of Aphrodite. In modern English, a hero is a man admired for his courage or noble qualities. Heroine is the female equivalent.
Alternative spellings: Hiro
Meaning: Star
Origin: English
Pronunciation: hes TAR
Description: Hester is the Latin form of the biblical name, Esther. It is a name most commonly found in England but it was also popularised by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book, The Scarlet Letter, where the protagonist was called Hester Prynne.
Meaning: Home
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HESS tee ah
Description: In Greek mythology, Hestia was the virgin goddess of the hearth, the family and the state.
Alternative spellings: Hestiaa, Hestya
Meaning: Star
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: HEH tee
Description: Hetty came about as a pet form of the name Hester, but is now used as a name in its own right. Hester is Greek in origin and means ‘star’.
Alternative spellings: Hetti, Hettie
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HIB ah
Description: Hiba is a name of Arabic origin and comes from an Arabic word meaning ‘to give’ or ‘gift’. It is very important in Islamic belief to give charitably and it is from this that the name Hiba has come about.
Alternative spellings: Hibah, Hibba
Meaning: Cheerful
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: HIL uh ree
Description: Hilary is from the Latin word ‘hilaris’, which shares the same root as ‘hilarious’.
Alternative spellings: Hilari, Hilarie, Hillary
Meaning: Battle
Origin: German
Pronunciation: HILL da
Description: Hilda is a German girls’ name, from the element of ‘hild’ meaning ‘battle’.
Alternative spellings: Hildah
Meaning: Princess child
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: HEE meh ko
Description: This baby name can be written using a variety of Japanese character combinations. Depending on the characters used it can either mean ‘princess child’ or ‘sun and rice child’.
Alternative spellings: Himekoh
Meaning: Ladybird
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: hee po DAY mee ah
Description: In Greek mythology, Hippodamia was the bride of King Pirithous of the Lapiths. It is also the scientific name given to the ladybird.
Alternative spellings: Hippodaymia, Hippodaymya
Meaning: Loosener of horses
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: he POL it ah
Description: In Greek mythology, Hippolyta was an Amazonian queen who possessed a magical girdle. The male version of the name is Hippolytus.
Alternative spellings: Hippolita
Meaning: Diamond
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: HIH rah
Description: The name Hira can be unisex, although using different pronunciations. The masculine form is pronounced ‘hih-rar’ whereas the feminine form is pronounced ‘hih-ra’. The name comes from an old Sanskrit word said to mean ‘diamond’.
Alternative spellings: Hirah, Hirra
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Holly
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HOLL lee
Description: The name Holly comes from the word for the evergreen tree. It was traditionally given to girls born around Christmas.
Alternative spellings: Holley, Holli, Hollie
Meaning: Honey
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HUN ee
Description: The name Honey comes from the word for the sweet substance produced by bees. It is also a term of affection but a rare given name.
Alternative spellings: Hunnie, Hunny
Meaning: Honour
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: Hon Or
Description: Honor derives from the Latin name Honoria, which also means ‘honour’. The name could be considered a variant of the English word for ‘personal integrity’ or ‘fame and glory’.
Alternative spellings: Honour
Meaning: Hope
Origin: English
Pronunciation: HOPE
Description: From the word meaning ‘a feeling of desire or expectation for a certain thing to happen.’ Hope is considered one of the ‘quality names’ like Charity and Faith and is often favoured by Christian parents.
Meaning: Guidance
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HOO dah
Description: Huda, popular among Muslim parents, means ‘guidance’.
Alternative spellings: Hudah, Hudda
Meaning: Reddish colour
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: hugh MARE ah
Description: The name Humaira means ‘reddish colour’ in Arabic. In Islamic belief it was the nickname that the prophet Muhammad gave to his wife Aisha due to her rosy red cheeks.
Alternative spellings: Humairah, Humera
Meaning: Kindness
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: HOOS nah
Description: Husna means ‘kindness’ and is a popular name in Pakistan.
Alternative spellings: Husnah
Meaning: Flower
Origin: English
Pronunciation: high AH synth
Description: Hyacinth refers to the flower of the same name and is found throughout the world. Like Rose and Tulip, Hyacinth is part of the trend of using Flowers for given names.
Meaning: Violet flower
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: eye AN theh
Description: From the Greek words ‘ion’ and ‘anthos’, meaning ‘violet’ and ‘flower’ respectively.
Alternative spellings: Ianthie
Meaning: Hard-working
Origin: German
Pronunciation: EYE dah
Description: The name Ida was brought to Britain by the Normans and was made popular in the 19th century by Lord Alfred Tennyson. It can mean both ‘hard-working’ and ‘princess’.
Alternative spellings: Idah, Iyda
Meaning: Fight
Origin: German
Pronunciation: EE gah
Description: The name Iga originally came about as a pet form of the name Jadwiga, which is itself the Polish variant of the German name Hedwig. Hedwig means ‘battle fight’ and Iga also shares this meaning.
Alternative spellings: Igah, Iyga
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Faith
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: im MAAN
Description: Imaan is the feminine version of the name Iman. It comes directly from the Arabic word ‘iman’, which means ‘faith’ and ‘believer’.
Alternative spellings: Imarn
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Faith; dependable
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: ee MAH nee
Description: Imani can be seen as the feminine version of the Arabic name Iman, meaning ‘faith’, or a diminutive form of the name Amina, meaning ‘dependable’.
Alternative spellings: Imanie
Meaning: Maiden
Origin: Shakespeare
Pronunciation: IHM oh jen
Description: This name derives from the Celtic name Innogen, meaning ‘maiden’. Imogen features in Shakespeare’s play Cymbeline where it is the name of a strong heroine.
Alternative spellings: Imojen
Meaning: Gift from God
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: ihn AH yah
Description: Inaaya is a name of Arabic origin, believed to mean ‘gift from God’ or ‘one to behold’. Of the spelling variations, some have separate meanings. The short form is Inny or Immy.
Alternative spellings: Inaiya, Inaya, Inayah, Inyaih
Meaning: Empathy
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: in NY yah
Description: Inaya is another spelling variation of the Arabic name Inaaya; however its meaning of ‘empathy’ is different to Inaaya, which is ‘gift from God’.
Alternative spellings: Inaaya, Inaiya, Inayah, Inyaih
Meaning: India
Origin: English
Pronunciation: IN dee uh
Description: India is a relatively modern name, taken from the name of the Asian country.
Alternative spellings: Indiya, Indya
Meaning: India
Origin: English
Pronunciation: in dee AHR nah; in dee ANN ah
Description: Indiana is an elaboration on the feminine name India. However, Indiana Jones is the name of the fictional male character from the Indiana Jones franchise.
Alternative spellings: Indianah, Indyana
Meaning: India; blue; independent
Origin: English
Pronunciation: IN dee
Description: Indie seems to have come about as a pet form of the names India and Indigo and its meaning can therefore vary. The name can either mean ‘blue’ or ‘from India’. The word ‘indie’ is often used in English as a shortened form of the word ‘independent’.
Alternative spellings: Indi, Indy
Meaning: Indian plant
Origin: English
Pronunciation: IN dih go
Description: Indigo, like India, became popular in the 1970s when Indian culture was fashionable and it is the name of an Indian plant. Recently, Indigo has surged in popularity along with other colour names such as Blue and Violet.
Alternative spellings: Indygo
Meaning: Beauty
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: In DEER ah
Description: A name of Hindu and Sanskrit origin, Indira means ‘beauty’ or ‘splendid’. The name became well known in the 1970s and 80s when Indira Gandhi was India’s first female Prime Minister.
Alternative spellings: Indeera
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: EE ness
Description: Ines is a variant of the name Agnes, which is Greek in origin and means ‘pure’. The form Ines is the Spanish version of the name. It is popular in Spanish-speaking countries, especially Mexico.
Alternative spellings: Inez
Meaning: Beauty
Origin: Norse
Pronunciation: IN grid
Description: The name Ingrid comes from the Norse element of ‘ing’ meaning ‘beauty’. Ing was also the name of a Norse god of fertility. The name is mostly popular in Scandinavia.
Alternative spellings: Engrid, Ingryd
Meaning: White goddess
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: EYE no
Description: In Greek mythology, Ino was a mortal queen of Thebes who, after her death, was worshipped as a goddess.
Alternative spellings: Eyno, Iyno
Meaning: Heifer
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: EYE oh
Description: In Greek mythology, Io was a young maiden who was loved by Zeus. She was turned into a heifer – a young female cow – by Zeus to protect her from Hera.
Alternative spellings: Eyo
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: ee OH ah nah
Description: Ioana is a variation of the name Ioanna, which in turn is a Greek variation of the name Joanna. The name ultimately means ‘God is gracious,’ as the name has its roots in the biblical name John. Related names include the Bulgarian Yoana, as well as the variant spellings of Joanna.
Meaning: Violet
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: EYE oh lee
Description: Iole is an uncommon girls’ name of Greek origin. The name is the transliteration of the classic Greek word for a violet.
Alternative spellings: Eyole
Meaning: Island
Origin: Norse
Pronunciation: Eye Own Ah
Description: The name Iona comes from the Scottish island Ioua, named as the ‘dew-tree island’. It could also derive from the English name Ione, which means ‘violet’.
Alternative spellings: Ionah
Meaning: To read
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: ihk RAH
Description: The name Iqra comes from an Islamic word that refers to the process of reading, hence its meaning of ‘to read’. It is a rare name in Britain, used mainly in Islamic communities.
Alternative spellings: Ikra, Iqrah
Meaning: Peace
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: eye REEN
Description: Irene is a Greek name meaning ‘peace’. Eirene was the Greek goddess of peace.
Meaning: Peace
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: ee REE nah
Description: Irina is a popular girls’ name of Greek origin. The name is one of the most common female names in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Alternative spellings: Arina, Irene, Iryna
Meaning: Rainbow
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: EYE riss
Description: The name Iris derives from Greek mythology, where Iris was a messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow. It is now linked to the English flower name.
Alternative spellings: Iriss
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: IS uh BELL luh
Description: The Latin form of Isabel and derived from the name Elizabeth. Along with its alternate spellings, the name has surged in popularity recently, possibly due to the success of the Twilight franchise, in which Isabella is the full name of the main character.
Alternative spellings: Isabela, Isobela, Isobella, Izabela, Izabella, Izzabella
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: French
Pronunciation: IS uh BELL
Description: This French form of Isabel is derived from Elizabeth. Isabelle is the most popular spelling of this name.
Alternative spellings: Isabel, Isabell, Isobel, Isobelle, Izabel, Izabelle, Izzabelle
Meaning: Gift from Isis
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: eye sa DOR ah
Description: The name Isadora derives from the male name Isadore, meaning ‘gift from Isis’, the Egyptian god. It can also be considered a feminine version of the name Iadore, which was used in Greece before and during the Christianisation of the Roman Empire.
Alternative spellings: Isadorah, Isadorra
Meaning: Woman; goddess
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: EE shaa
Description: Isha is a unisex name and is often found in India. As a feminine name it means ‘woman’ and is the name of the goddess Durga, whereas in the male form it means ‘the Lord’.
Alternative spellings: Esha, Ishah
Meaning: From Islay
Origin: English
Pronunciation: EYE luh
Description: First coined in the 20th century in Scotland, the name Isla originates from the island of Islay in the Hebrides.
Alternative spellings: Eila
Meaning: Protection
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: IS ma
Description: Isma is an unusual name in the UK, though is more popular in the Middle East. It is of Arabic origin and means ‘protection’ or ‘safeguarding of the prophets’.
Alternative spellings: Ismah
Meaning: Knowledgeable
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: is MEE nee
Description: Ismene is Greek in origin. In Greek mythology, Ismene was a daughter of Oedipus.
Alternative spellings: Ismeneh, Ismine
Meaning: Night journey
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: IS ra
Description: Isra is of Arabic origin and means ‘night-time journey’. Its meaning refers to the prophet Muhammad’s night journey to Jerusalem, where he met Jesus and Moses before returning to Mecca that night.
Alternative spellings: Israh
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Salvation
Origin: African
Pronunciation: ESS ah
Description: Issa is a variant of the African name Essa, meaning ‘salvation’ or ‘protection’. It can be used for both baby boys and girls.
Alternative spellings: Essa, Essah
Meaning: Gift from God
Origin: Russian
Pronunciation: EE van na
Description: Ivana is the feminine form of the name Ivan, which is the Slavic form of the name John, which is where the meaning ‘gift from God’ comes from. Related names include Ivanka, Iva and Ivka.
Alternative spellings: Ivanah
Meaning: Faithfulness
Origin: English
Pronunciation: i VEE
Description: The name Ivy is taken straight from the creeping green plant often seen growing on the site of buildings or gardens. The name was popular at the beginning of the 20th century, though is far less common nowadays.
Alternative spellings: Ivy
Meaning: White
Origin: English
Pronunciation: EYE voree
Description: Ivory comes from the English vocabulary word of the same name, referring to the white-ish colour. The name also refers to the tusks of animals, especially elephants, which are the same colour.
Meaning: Moonlight
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: EYE la
Description: It is thought that Iyla originates from India and means ‘moonlight’. It could also be considered a variant of the Persian name Lyla.
Alternative spellings: Eila, Ila
Meaning: Scottish island
Origin: Scottish
Pronunciation: ie LAH
Description: Iylah is a variation of the Scottish name Isla and that in turn is a variation of the name Islay, referring to the island off the west coast of Scotland.
Alternative spellings: Iyla, I sla
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: IH zee
Description: Izzy originally came about as a shortened form of the name Elizabeth or Isabelle. Izzy is a relatively modern name in its own right and is especially popular in Britain. Izzy can also be found as a boys’ name; however it is rare and does not come from the name Elizabeth.
Alternative spellings: Izzi, Izzie
Meaning: Hyacinth
Origin: Spanish
Pronunciation: jah SIN tah
Description: Jacinta is the Spanish name for the flower, hyacinth. It ultimately comes from the Greek word ‘hyakinthos’.
Alternative spellings: Jacintah
Meaning: Supplanter
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JAK eh lin; JAK eh leen
Description: Jacqueline is the feminine diminutive form of Jacques, the French version of James.
Alternative spellings: Jacquelean, Jacqueleen, Jacquelyn
Meaning: Green stone; precious
Origin: English
Pronunciation: JAY dah
Description: Jada is a relatively modern name and can be seen as a development of Jade.
Alternative spellings: Jaida, Jayda
Meaning: Green stone; precious
Origin: English
Pronunciation: JAYD
Description: Jade comes from the Spanish name for the precious stone. The word can be literally translated as ‘stone of the bowels’, and jade was believed to offer protection against intestinal disorders. The name also means ‘precious’.
Alternative spellings: Jaide, Jayde
Meaning: Berry
Origin: German
Pronunciation: yah GOW dah
Description: Jagoda is an unusual name that comes from a Slavic word meaning ‘berry’. It is often found in Croatia and Poland.
Alternative spellings: Jagodah
Meaning: Supplanter; love
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JAY me
Description: A variation of the unisex name Jamie. The verb ‘aimer’ means ‘to love’ in the French language, which gives this name a double meaning.
Alternative spellings: Jaimy, Jamie
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: African
Pronunciation: jah MEEL ah
Description: Jamila is the feminine version of Jamil or Jamal. The names mean ‘handsome’ so we can take the feminine meaning to be ‘beautiful’.
Alternative spellings: Jameela, Jamela, Jamilah
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JAH nah
Description: Jana is a variant of the name Jane, itself a version of the masculine name John.
Alternative spellings: Janah
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JAYN
Description: Jane was originally a feminine form of John, but is now a given name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Jaine, Jayne
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: English
Pronunciation: je NEL
Description: Janelle is a modern version of the name Jane and has only been used since the 20th century. It is ultimately derived from the name John, meaning ‘God is gracious’.
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JAN et
Description: The name Janet is a diminutive of the name Jane. It also derives from the French Jeanette.
Alternative spellings: Janett, Janette, Jannet
Meaning: Garden of heaven
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: JAH nah
Description: The Arabic name Jannah refers to the Islamic paradise or ‘garden of heaven’ and is a popular name with Muslim parents.
Alternative spellings: Janah, Janna
Meaning: Heaven
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: ja NAT
Description: Jannat is a name of Persian origin, which has become popular in India too. It is said to mean ‘heaven’. Jannat is also the name of a famous Bollywood film.
Alternative spellings: Janat
Meaning: Jasmine flower
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: JAZ leen
Description: Jasleen is a modern variant form of the name Jasmine. Often shortened to Jas or Jaz.
Alternative spellings: Jaslene, Jasline
Meaning: Jasmine flower
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: JAZ min; YAZ min
Description: The name Jasmin is of Persian origin and can also be found in its original form: Yasmin. The flower is used in Thailand as a symbol for ‘mother’.
Alternative spellings: Jasmine, Jazmin, Jazmine, Yasmin
Meaning: Bringer of happiness
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: jah VEER ah
Description: In Islamic belief, Javeria is the name of one of the wives of the prophet Muhammad.
Alternative spellings: Javeriah, Javeriya
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Precious
Origin: English
Pronunciation: jay DAH
Description: Jayda is likely to be a development of Jade, and is a relatively modern name. Jade is a feminine name that comes from the English noun referring to the precious stone, similar to the name Ruby. In this way its meaning is ‘precious’.
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: English
Pronunciation: JAY la
Description: Jayla is a relatively modern name created from the names Kayla and Jay. Jayla is part of a trend to form new names that have no specific meaning but are phonetically pleasing.
Alternative spellings: Jaila, Jaylah
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JEEN; ZHAHN
Description: Jean is a unisex name most often found on girls. As a male name it derives from the Hebrew name John, as a feminine name it comes from Jane.
Alternative spellings: Gene, Gine
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: French
Pronunciation: jean ETT
Description: Jeanette is a French name meaning ‘God is gracious’ and is a variation of the name Jeanne. It is also related to Janet and Janette.
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: French
Pronunciation: jee ANNE
Description: Jeanne is a French, feminine version of the name John and as such, shares the same meaning of ‘God is gracious’.
Meaning: Handsome
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: je MYE ma
Description: In the Old Testament, Jemima was the eldest daughter of Job. Although its peak of popularity was in the 19th century, it is still used today.
Alternative spellings: Gemima, Jemimah
Meaning: Precious stone
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: JEM ah
Description: Jemma is a version of the Italian name Gemma.
Alternative spellings: Gemma
Meaning: White-haired
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: JEN na
Description: Originally a shortened form of Jennifer, but can now be found as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Jena, Jenah
Meaning: White-haired
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: JEN ih fur
Description: Jennifer, a very popular baby name in the UK, derives from the Welsh name Guinevere, which is the name of the legendary King Arthur’s wife.
Alternative spellings: Jenifer
Meaning: White-haired
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: JEH ne
Description: Jenny came about as a pet form of the name Jennifer, but can now be seen as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Jeni, Jenney, Jenni, Jennie
Meaning: Of Germany
Origin: German
Pronunciation: JER mane
Description: Jermaine is an alternative spelling for the more usual Germaine, and is thought to mean ‘from Germany’.
Alternative spellings: Germaine, Germane, Jermane
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: From Jersey
Origin: Norse
Pronunciation: JER zee
Description: Jersey, the name of the largest of the Channel Islands, is also an American state. The name has Norse origins and means ‘grassy island’.
Alternative spellings: Jersie, Jersy
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JESS
Description: Jess originally came about as a shortened form of the girls’ names Jessie or Jessica but is now found as a unisex name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Jesse
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: jess AH
Description: Jessa is a short form of the name Jessica, and shares the same meaning of ‘gift’.
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JESS ikker
Description: This name is thought to have been created by Shakespeare in his play The Merchant of Venice. It could also be a name of Hebrew origin.
Alternative spellings: Jessicah, Jessicka, Jessika
Meaning: Gift
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JESS ee
Description: Jessie is often used as a pet form of the names Jessica and Jess and is often seen as a unisex name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Jesse, Jessi, Jessy
Meaning: Champion
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: jay
Description: Jai could be the short form of several names but it is also a name in its own right. It is also spelt Jay, is of Sanskrit origin and in this form is usually masculine but is found used for both boys and girls. It is said to mean ‘champion’. When used as a short form of any name starting with a ‘Jay’ sound it was originally given as a nickname meaning ‘chatty,’ in reference to the jay bird.
Meaning: Sweet heart
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: jee YA
Description: Jiya is a name popular among Hindus and other religious groups in India. It is said to mean ‘sweet heart’. It is not very common in the UK but is slowly gaining in popularity.
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JO
Description: Jo may be the shortened form of any girls’ name beginning with ‘Jo—’, such as Joanna or Jolene.
Alternative spellings: Joe
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JONE
Description: One of the more old-fashioned female variants of ‘John’. Predominantly a female name, this can occasionally be found as a male name.
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: jo AN nuh
Description: Joanna is a variation of the name Joanne, itself a feminine version of the masculine name John.
Alternative spellings: Joana, Joannah
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: jo AN
Description: Joanne is one of a few feminine versions of the Hebrew name John. In France the name started as Johan, before coming to Britain in the 12th century and developing into Joanna and Joanne.
Alternative spellings: Johanne
Meaning: Lord
Origin: English
Pronunciation: JOSS sa lin
Description: It is thought that the name Jocelyn is a mixture of the feminine names Joyce and Lynn. While Joyce is of Latin origin and means ‘Lord’, Lynn comes from an Old English surname meaning ‘water pool’.
Alternative spellings: Jocelin, Josslin, Josslyn
Meaning: From Judea
Origin: English
Pronunciation: JO dee
Description: Jodie is a feminine spelling of the unisex name Jody.
Alternative spellings: Jodi, Jody
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: One true God
Origin: French
Pronunciation: jo ELLE
Description: Joelle is the feminine version of the name Joel, and as such shares the same meaning of ‘one true God’.
Meaning: Pretty
Origin: French
Pronunciation: jo LEE
Description: Joely has its roots in French and is most likely a variation of the word ‘jolie’ meaning ‘pretty’. Joely Richardson is a famous British actress with this name.
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: yoh HAN nah
Description: Johanna is a continental variant of the name Joanna. Both of the names are ultimately of Hebrew origin and mean ‘God has given’. Note the difference in pronunciation.
Alternative spellings: Johannah, Yohanna
Meaning: Nickname
Origin: English
Pronunciation: jojo
Description: Jojo is a nickname for names such as Jolene and Josephine, but can also stand as a given name on its own. Jojo is a famous American singer with this name.
Meaning: No meaning
Origin: English
Pronunciation: jo LEEN
Description: Jolene is a modern, invented name combining ‘jo’ with the suffix ‘lene’. As such, it has no meaning.
Meaning: Pretty
Origin: French
Pronunciation: jo LEE
Description: Jolie comes from the French word for ‘pretty’ and has recently been adopted into a girls’ given name.
Alternative spellings: Joley, Joli
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JONE ee
Description: A modern spelling variant of the name Joanie.
Alternative spellings: Joanie, Joany, Jonie
Meaning: Flowing down
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JOR den
Description: The name Jordan was originally given to children baptised using the holy water from the River Jordan. It is also the name of a country.
Alternative spellings: Jorden, Jordon, Jordun, Jordyn
Meaning: Farmer
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: jorge EE
Description: Jorgie is an alternative spelling of the name Georgie, which itself is a pet name of names such as Georgina. While Jorgie is a more modern construction, Georgina and similar names are heavily featured in legendary stories.
Alternative spellings: Georgie
Meaning: Farmer
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JORJ aah
Description: Jorja is a fairly modern variation of the English name Georgia. The meaning derives from the Greek word ‘georgos’, which means ‘farmer’.
Alternative spellings: Georga, Jorga
Meaning: The Lord gave more
Origin: German
Pronunciation: JO zeh FEE nuh
Description: Josephina is a variant of the Hebrew name Josephine.
Alternative spellings: Josefina, Josephena
Meaning: The Lord gave more
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JO zeh feen
Description: The name Josephine is one of the feminine versions of the biblical name Joseph and shares its meaning of ‘God will give more’.
Alternative spellings: Josefine, Josephene
Meaning: The Lord gave more
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JO see
Description: Although Josie started as a pet name for the name Josephine, it is a first name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Josey, Josi, Josy
Meaning: Member of German tribe
Origin: German
Pronunciation: JAWS lin
Description: Josslyn is a variation of the more common Joselyn and comes from the French name Gautzelin, which is a name for a member of an old German tribe called the Gauts.
Alternative spellings: Joselyn
Meaning: Joy
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JOY
Description: The name Joy comes from the word meaning ‘extreme happiness’. It may also be considered a pet form of Joyce.
Meaning: Lord; joy
Origin: Breton
Pronunciation: JOYS
Description: Joyce originally comes from the Breton name ‘Iodoc’, meaning ‘Lord’. It was first adapted to Jodocus, then to the male name Josce. Joyce disappeared as a male name in the 14th century.
Alternative spellings: Joyse
Meaning: Of Judea
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JOO dith
Description: Judith is a biblical name borne by a Jewish heroine and beautiful widow who delivered her people from invading Assyrians. Judith can be taken to mean ‘from Judea’.
Alternative spellings: Judithe, Judyth
Meaning: Of Judea
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JOO dee
Description: Judy is a Hebrew name that is closely related to Judith, meaning ‘of Judea’. Judith is a biblical name borne by a Jewish herione.
Alternative spellings: Judi, Judie
Meaning: Bearded youth
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JOOLZ
Description: Jules is a unisex baby name of Latin origin, meaning ‘down-bearded youth’. It is found in both English- and French-speaking countries. The name is the French form of Julius. In English, as a girls’ name, it is often used as a pet form of Julia.
Alternative spellings: Jools
Meaning: Youth
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JOO lee ah
Description: Julia is a feminine form of the Roman family name Julius, famously shared by Julius Caesar.
Alternative spellings: Guilia, Juliah
Meaning: Youth
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JOO lee AN uh
Description: The name Julianna is a modern combination of Julia and Anna. It could also be considered as a spelling variant of the Latin name Juliana, which is the feminine form of Julian.
Alternative spellings: Juliana, Juliannah, Julyanna
Meaning: Youth
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JOO lee AN
Description: The feminine form of the male name Julian. Or it is often considered to be a modern combination of the names Julia and Anne.
Alternative spellings: Juliane, Julyanne
Meaning: Youth
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: JOO lee
Description: Julie is the French form of Julia, but is also used as a pet form of Juliana and Juliette. All of these names stem from the masculine name Julius, which is of Latin origin.
Alternative spellings: Juley, Juli
Meaning: Youth
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JOO lee et
Description: Juliet is a form of the Latin name Julia, made famous by the lead female character in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. Juliette is the French version of this name.
Alternative spellings: Juliett, Juliette
Meaning: Month of June
Origin: English
Pronunciation: JOON
Description: June is a name coined from the English word for the summer month, and is popular with babies either born or conceived at this time of year. Interestingly, the month of June was named after the Roman goddess Juno.
Alternative spellings: Gune
Meaning: Juniper tree
Origin: English
Pronunciation: JOON ip er
Description: The name Juniper comes from the type of tree of the same name, which has evergreen-like needles and a distinctive type of berry that is used in a variety of culinary dishes and is a primary flavouring in gin. Juniper is one of a long line of flower-and plant-related names.
Meaning: Queen of heaven
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JOO no
Description: Juno is a name of Latin origin. In Roman mythology it was the name of the queen of the gods; the equivalent of the Greek goddess Hera.
Alternative spellings: Junoh
Meaning: Fair; just
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: JUST een ah
Description: Justina is the anglicised version of Latin name Iustina and the female version of the name Justin. Both names are related to the word ‘justice’ and as such, mean ‘fair’ or ‘just’.
Meaning: Fair; just
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: jus TEEN
Description: Justine is the feminine form of the name Justin, which is of Latin origins.
Alternative spellings: Justeen, Justene
Meaning: From Cayce
Origin: English
Pronunciation: kay CEE
Description: Kacey is a modern alternative spelling of the name Casey. It is more commonly given as a female name but could be also given as a boys’ name. Casey was a name given to Casey Jones as he hailed from a town called Cayce. This name could also be given to someone with the initials K.C.
Alternative spellings: Kaci, Kacie, Casey
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KAY dee
Description: Kadie is a modern name that has come about as an elongated version of the name Kay or a variation of the popular name Katie. Most of these names come from the Greek name Kathoros, which means ‘pure’.
Alternative spellings: Kadi, Kady
Meaning: Maple
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: kah eh DH
Description: This unisex Japanese name is written using only one character. It is an unusual character also used for the word ‘maple’. The name could also be considered a spelling variation of the name Kayda.
Alternative spellings: Kaeida, Kaeide
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KAY ah
Description: The name Kaia is thought to be an elongated version of Kay, which is a pet form for many names starting with the letter K. It could also be a unisex name meaning ‘restful place’.
Alternative spellings: Kaiya, Kaja, Kaya
Meaning: Dark-haired
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KARE ah
Description: Kaira is a variant of the more commonly found Keera, or Keira. These names are all feminine versions of the masculine name Kieran, meaning ‘dark one’.
Alternative spellings: Kaera, Kayra
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KATE lin
Description: It is believed that this name derives from the Old Greek name Catherine and is a spelling variant of the Irish name Caitlin. Like Katherine, it is often shortened to Kate.
Alternative spellings: Caitlin, Caitlyn, Catelin, Catelyn, Kaitlyn, Katelin, Katelyn, Katelynn
Meaning: No meaning
Origin: English
Pronunciation: kye AH
Description: Kaja is a feminine name, thought to be an elongated version of the name Kay. Kay originated as a pet form for many names starting with a K such as Katherine. It later became a name in its own right and since the variations Kaja and Kaya have formed.
Meaning: The dark one
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: KAH lee
Description: Kali is the name of the Hindu goddess of time. It derives from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘the dark one’. Kali is thought of as the bringer of death, but depending on the beliefs of the individual she can also been seen as a benevolent god.
Alternative spellings: Cali, Kalli
Meaning: Sacrifice
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: cah MIL ah
Description: Kamila is a variant of Camilla, a name that originates from Roman mythology. It was the name for the queen of the Volsci, who was known for being a fast runner and a great warrior. This spelling is usually found in Poland.
Alternative spellings: Camila, Camilla, Kamilla
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Fragrant fabric
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: kah O ree
Description: This Japanese name is considered one of the prettiest for girls in Japan. This name is often spelt using the character of ‘kao’ meaning ‘incense’ or ‘perfume’ together with the character ‘ri’, which stands for ‘fabric’ or ‘to weave’.
Alternative spellings: Kaorhi, Kaorie
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Dearest
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: KAR ah
Description: Kara is a spelling variant of the name Cara, which is of Italian origin and means ‘dearest’.
Alternative spellings: Cara, Carah
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KA ren
Description: A Danish equivalent of Katherine introduced to America by Scandinavian settlers.
Alternative spellings: Caren, Karin, Karren
Meaning: Loved one
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: ka REE nah
Description: Karina derives from an Italian word for ‘dearest one’. A spelling variant can be found in the Italian phrase ‘che carina’, meaning ‘how lovely’. It is a relatively modern name also often found in northern Europe.
Alternative spellings: Careena, Carina, Kareena
Meaning: Graceful
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KARE iss
Description: Karis is a Greek name that has spread throughout Europe.
Alternative spellings: Carice, Caris, Carys, Karice, Kariss, Karys
Meaning: Free man
Origin: German
Pronunciation: KAR lah
Description: Karla is the feminine version of the name Karl. This spelling is more common in continental Europe.
Alternative spellings: Carla
Meaning: Free man
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KAR lee
Description: Karlie is a variation of the name Carly, which in turn is the feminised version of the name Carl, meaning ‘free man’. Karlie Kloss is a famous supermodel.
Alternative spellings: Carlie, Carly
Meaning: Free man
Origin: German
Pronunciation: ka ro LINE a
Description: The name Karolina ultimately derives from the masculine name Charles, which means ‘free man’. It is a spelling variant of Carolina and can be most commonly found in English- and Polish-speaking countries.
Alternative spellings: Carolina, Carolyna
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: kah tah REE nah
Description: Katarina is a variant of the popular name Katherine. Although ultimately Greek in origin, Katarina is most likely to be found in Eastern European countries.
Alternative spellings: Catarena, Catarina, Caterena, Caterina, Katarena, Katerena, Katerina
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: kat ar ZEE nah
Description: Katarzyna is a variant of the Greek name Catherine and is one of the most popular names in Poland at this time. The name comes from the Greek word ‘katharos’, meaning ‘pure’.
Alternative spellings: Katarzena, Katarzina
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KAYT
Description: Kate is a short form of Katherine, and shares the meaning of ‘pure’.
Alternative spellings: Cate, Kaite
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KATH er in
Description: Katherine is another form of the name Catherine. The name has many variants but all of them derive from the Greek word ‘katharos’, which means ‘pure’.
Alternative spellings: Catharin, Catharine, Catharyn, Catherin, Catherine, Catheryn, Cathryn, Katharin, Katharine, Katherin, Katheryn, Kathryn
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: kath LEEN
Description: Kathleen is one of the many variants based on the name Katherine. Kathleen seems to have come from Ireland, where it is most popular.
Alternative spellings: Cathleen, Cathlene, Kathlene
Meaning: Pure
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KATH ee
Description: Kathy is a shortened version of the name Katherine and both names mean ‘pure’. Kathy is often a nickname of Katherine but can stand as a name in its own right as well.
Alternative spellings: Cathy
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KAY tee
Description: The name Katie started as a pet form of Katherine but is now a first name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Kaity, Katey, Kati, Katy
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: cah TREE nah
Description: Katrina is one of the many variants of the name Katherine and shares its meaning of ‘pure’.
Alternative spellings: Catrina
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Russian
Pronunciation: kat YAH
Description: Katya is a shortened version of the Russian name Yekaterina and Ekaterina, meaning ‘pure’. All of these names are the Russian version of the Hebrew name Elizabeth and share the meaning ‘promised by God’.
Alternative spellings: Katja
Meaning: Pure
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KAY
Description: Kay is a pet form of any name beginning with the letter K, but also a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Kae
Meaning: Pure
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KAY ah
Description: Kaya is thought to be an elongated version of the name Kay.
Alternative spellings: Kaia, Kaiya, Kaja
Meaning: Restful place
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: KAY ah
Description: Kaya is an unusual unisex name. Its origins are Japanese, Zulu, Turkish, Hopi and Hindi, and other meanings are ‘yew tree’, ‘forgiveness’, ‘home’ and ‘wise child’.
Alternative spellings: Kaia, Kaiya, Kaja
Meaning: Vigilant guard
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KAY see
Description: A phonetically spelt variant of the unisex Casey and Kasey.
Alternative spellings: Casey, Casie, Cayce, Caycie, Caysie, Kacey, Kaci, Kacie, Kacy, Kasey, Kasie, Kaycie, Kaysie
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KAY dee
Description: Kaydee is a phonetic spelling of Kady, and both are likely to be a modern variant of Katie.
Alternative spellings: Kadi, Kadie, Kady, Kaydey, Kaydi, Kaydie
Meaning: Rhythm
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KAY dense
Description: Kaydence, derived from cadence, follows the trend for phonetically spelt names. It has risen in popularity in recent years.
Alternative spellings: Cadence, Kadence
Meaning: Who is like God?
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KAY lah
Description: Probably a pet form of the name Michaela, this relatively modern name is popular in the US.
Alternative spellings: Kaela, Kaylah
Meaning: Slender
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KAY lee
Description: Although the origin of Kaylee is uncertain, some speculate that it is a variant of Kayla. Both names could come from the Gaelic name Caoilainn, meaning ‘slender’ or from the name Michaela meaning ‘who is like God?’.
Alternative spellings: Kayleigh, Kayley
Meaning: Fruit tree
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KAY shuh
Description: Kaysha is a name of uncertain origin. It is possible it is a Hebrew name that means ‘fruit tree’. However, it could also derive from the modern name Keisha.
Alternative spellings: Caysha, Kaesha, Kaisha
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Precious
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KEE vee
Description: The name Keavy is a variant of the anglicised form of the Gaelic name Caoimhe, which is pronounced ‘keeva’. The names come from the Old Gaelic word ‘caomh’ meaning ‘precious’.
Alternative spellings: Keavi, Keavie, Keevy
Meaning: Beautiful; gentle; kind
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: kee VAH
Description: Keeva is the phonetic spelling of the Irish name, Caoimhe. In Gaelic, the name comes from the word ‘caomh,’ meaning ‘beautiful,’ ‘gentle’ and ‘kind’. The male version of the name is Caomhin – or Kevin, in English.
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: White; slender
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KEE lee
Description: Keeley is most likely to be derived from the Irish name ‘Caoilfhionn’ and is possibly the Gaelic version of Kelly. It could also come from ‘Caoilinn’, meaning ‘slender’.
Alternative spellings: Keeli, Keelie, Keely
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Blessed child
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: KAY koh
Description: This name has its roots in the Japanese language and is one of the most popular Japanese names ending in ‘ko’. Depending on the characters used to spell this name the meaning can vary from ‘joyful child’ to ‘respectful child’.
Alternative spellings: Kaiko
Meaning: Dark-haired
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KEER uh
Description: Keira is a variant of the Gaelic name Ciara. Like Kiera, it is also the feminine form of Kieran.
Alternative spellings: Keirah, Kiera, Kira, Kyra
Meaning: Prosperous
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: KEE sha
Description: The name Keisha became popular in the 1980s. It is probably a variation of the Arabic Aisha.
Alternative spellings: Keesha, Keysha
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: American
Pronunciation: keh LEES
Description: As Kelis is most likely a recently created name, its meaning is uncertain.
Alternative spellings: Keliss, Kellis
Meaning: Bright-headed
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KEL lee
Description: Kelly is most commonly found as a girls’ name despite originating from the Irish male name Ceallach.
Alternative spellings: Kelli, Kellie
Meaning: Victorious ship
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KEL see
Description: Kelsea is a variant of the unisex name Kelsey, most commonly used for girls. The names are thought to derive from the Old English word ‘ceolsige’, which means ‘victorious ship’.
Alternative spellings: Kelsey, Kelsi, Kelsie, Kelsy
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Keen power
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KEN dra
Description: Kendra is the feminine version of the English surname Kendrick and it shares its meaning of ‘keen power’.
Alternative spellings: Kendrah
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: The fairest
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KEN zah
Description: Kenza is the feminine variant of the name Kenzie, which derives from the Gaelic surname McKenzie – itself part of a group of surnames now popular as first names. Both Kenzie and Kenza share the surname’s meaning of ‘the fairest’.
Alternative spellings: Kensa, Kenzah
Meaning: Fair one
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: ken ZEE
Description: When anglicised, Kenzie becomes Kenneth. Kenzie is usually adopted in the USA as a shortened form of Mackenzie. The meaning of Mackenzie varies between ‘fair one’ for a girl, or ‘son of the fair one’ for a boy.
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Ray of power
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KARE en
Description: Keren is a name of biblical origins. It means ‘ray of power’. In the Bible Keren was the name of one of the three daughters of Job. It could also be considered a variant of the name Karen.
Alternative spellings: Kerin, Kerren
Meaning: Descendants of Ciar
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KEH ree
Description: Kerry was originally a surname, from the Irish county of the same name. Kerry means ‘descendants of Ciar’ and the original Gaelic spelling is Chiarrai. The name is unisex, but is more commonly given to girls.
Alternative spellings: Kerrey, Kerri, Kerrie
Meaning: Flower
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: KAY ah
Description: The name Keya comes from the Bengali word for ‘flower’. In Hindu scripture the god Brahma uses the name of the flower in a story called ‘The Cursed Flower’.
Alternative spellings: Keeya
Meaning: Cassia spice
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: key ZYE ah
Description: Kezia comes from the Hebrew name for ‘cassia spice’, which is a general term for spices such as cinnamon. In the Bible it was the name of the second daughter of Job.
Alternative spellings: Keziah, Kezzia, Kezziah
Meaning: Early child
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: ka DEE ja
Description: Khadija is an Arabic name meaning ‘early baby’ and is traditionally given to babies born earlier than expected. In the Quran it is the name of one of the wives of the prophet Muhammad. The spelling variants of this name are all popular names.
Alternative spellings: Khadeeja, Khadeejah, Khadijah
Meaning: Queen
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KA lee see
Description: A name derived from George. R. R. Martin’s popular series, Game of Thrones, Khaleesi means ‘queen’ in Doth-raki, a language invented for the series.
Meaning: Greenery
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: klowh EE
Description: Khloe is a variant spelling of Chloe, and is a modern form of the name that has appeared along with many other ‘C’ names that have been replaced by ‘K,’ which is a very modern trend. Chloe is of Greek origin and is said to mean ‘greenery’; it was another name given to the Greek goddess Demeter, who was the protector of fields of greenery.
Alternative spellings: Chloe
Meaning: Happiness
Origin: Sanskrit
Pronunciation: KUSH ee
Description: Khushi may have come about as a short form of the masculine name Khushiram, however the form Khushi is only seen on girls. The name is often found in India and its meaning is thought to relate to happiness.
Alternative spellings: Kushee, Kushi, Khushy
Meaning: Go well
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KEE ah
Description: The name Kia is thought to originate from New Zealand, where the phrase ‘kia ora’ is used as a greeting to wish someone well.
Alternative spellings: Kiah
Meaning: Ancient
Origin: English
Pronunciation: kee AHN ah
Description: The name Kiana may derive from the Gaelic name Cian, which means ‘ancient’.
Alternative spellings: Chiana, Ciana, Kianah, Kianna
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: kee AH ra; KEER ah
Description: The name Kiara is mainly used in English-speaking countries, especially England and America. It is thought that this name derives from the Italian name Chiara, which was borne by Saint Chiara of Assisi.
Alternative spellings: Chiara, Chiarah, Ciara
Meaning: No meaning
Origin: French
Pronunciation: kee kee
Description: Kiki is a French name was originally a nickname at the turn of the last century. As such, it has no meaning as it is a nickname that has slipped into the mainstream as a given name.
Meaning: Wood clearing
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KIM
Description: Kim is a short form of Kimberley, but also an independent given name for both boys and girls.
Alternative spellings: Kimm
Meaning: Wood clearing
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KIM ber lee
Description: Kimberley is the name of a South African town named after a Lord Kimberley, whose surname originates from England. The name is unisex but most often found on girls in the UK.
Alternative spellings: Kimberlee, Kimberleigh, Kimberly
Meaning: Wood clearing
Origin: English
Pronunciation: kim EE
Description: Kimmy is a diminutive of the name Kimberley and as such, means ‘wood clearing’.
Alternative spellings: Kimmi, Kimmie
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: English
Pronunciation: ki MOH rah
Description: Kimora is a modern name thought to have evolved from the name Kimberley.
Alternative spellings: Kimmora, Kimorah
Meaning: Brave in war
Origin: German
Pronunciation: KIN gah
Description: Kinga is the pet form of the Old German name Kunegunda, meaning ‘brave in war’. The name is often found in Germany, Poland and Hungary; however, its use is unusual in the UK.
Alternative spellings: Kingah
Meaning: King’s woods
Origin: English
Pronunciation: kins LEE
Description: Kinsley is an English surname derived from the elements of ‘cyne’ meaning ‘kingly’ and ‘lëah’ meaning ‘wood’. As a given name, it was first used in America.
Meaning: Hidden treasure
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: KIN za
Description: The name Kinza comes from the Arabic word ‘kinz’, meaning ‘hidden treasure’. The name has extreme associations with wealth.
Alternative spellings: Kinsa, Kinzah
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Natural beauty
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: ki ri KA
Description: Kirika is written using the Japanese characters of ‘kiri’, meaning ‘plant’ and ‘ka’, meaning ‘summer flower’. Therefore the name has lots of associations with nature and plant life.
Alternative spellings: Kirikah, Kiryka
Meaning: Follower of Christ
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: KUR sten
Description: Kirsten is the Scandinavian form of the Latin name Christine.
Alternative spellings: Kirstenne, Kirstin
Meaning: Follower of Christ
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: KUR stee
Description: Kirsty is a diminutive of the name Christine or Kirsten, but now a popular name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Kirstey, Kirsti, Kirstie
Meaning: Pure
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: KIT ee
Description: Originally a short form of Katherine but now used as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Kitti, Kittie
Meaning: Protected
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KEY va
Description: The name Kiva is closely related to the Hebrew name Akiva, meaning ‘protector’. Though typically considered a girls’ name, it is in fact unisex.
Alternative spellings: Keeva, Kivah
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: KYE ah
Description: The name Kiya can be traced back to Egyptian history as the name of the wife of the Pharaoh Akhenaten. It is generally considered to have roots in the Arabic language but has an uncertain meaning.
Alternative spellings: Kiyah
Meaning: Spice
Origin: African
Pronunciation: KEE zee
Description: Kizzy is a name of uncertain origin, but possibly a pet form of Kezia, which could carry the same meaning of ‘spice’ as Cassia.
Alternative spellings: Kizzi, Kizzie
Meaning: Clarity
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: KLAH ra
Description: Klara is an alternate spelling of Clara, meaning ‘clarity’. This spelling is often found in Eastern Europe.
Alternative spellings: Clara
Meaning: Lame
Origin: Italian
Pronunciation: claw de AH
Description: Klaudia is a spelling variation of the name Claudia. It is popular to modernise names by replacing ‘c’ with ‘k’. Claudia is a feminine name of Roman origin and like its masculine equivalent, Claud, it comes from the Roman name Claudius, which is said to mean ‘lame’.
Alternative spellings: Claudia
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Horn
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: kor nee lee AH
Description: Kornelia, more usually spelt Cornelia, is the feminine equivalent of the masculine name Cornelius. Cornelius was a Roman family name thought to have come from the Latin word ‘cornu’ meaning ‘horn’.
Alternative spellings: Cornelia
Meaning: Follower of Christ
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: KRIS ten
Description: Kristen is a variant of the name Christine, meaning ‘follower of Christ’. Kristen is found more in Eastern Europe where ‘K’ often replaces ‘C’ at the beginning of names.
Alternative spellings: Christen, Cristen, Kristenne, Kristin
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Christian
Origin: English
Pronunciation: kris TEE nah
Description: Kristina is a feminine name that is derived from the name Christine, the feminine equivalent of the masculine Christian and used for the same purpose. It comes from the English word ‘Christian’ and refers to a follower of Christianity.
Alternative spellings: Cristina, Christina
Meaning: Christian; precious
Origin: German
Pronunciation: KIRS tul
Description: Krystal is a modern spelling variation of Crystal. Crystal is a feminine name that can come from two sources. It could be from the English noun referring to the precious stone, similar to the name Jade. In this way its meaning is seen as ‘precious’. However, it is also found as a variation of the German name Christel, which is itself a variation of Christine. Christine is the feminine version of Christian, and means literally ‘Christian’.
Alternative spellings: Crystal
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: English
Pronunciation: KYE ah
Description: The name Kya is especially popular with African-American parents. It is thought to be a variation of the names Kyla or Kai, given for its phonetically pleasing sound.
Alternative spellings: Kyah
Meaning: Beautiful or narrow spit of land
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: kye LAH
Description: Kyla is a Gaelic name, which may have two meanings. It could be a derivative of the name Cadhla, which means ‘beautiful’, or it may be the feminine version of the name Kyle, which means ‘narrow spit of land’.
Alternative spellings: Kylah
Meaning: Boomerang
Origin: Australian
Pronunciation: KY lee
Description: An Australian name said to mean ‘boomerang’. Kylie could also be of Irish origin and mean ‘graceful’.
Alternative spellings: Kiley, Kyley, Kyli
Meaning: Respectful child
Origin: Japanese
Pronunciation: kyo KOH
Description: This name derives from the Japanese name Kyouko, which is pronounced with a longer ‘o’ sound.
Alternative spellings: Kioko, Kyokoh
Meaning: Most beautiful from heaven
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: LAY bah
Description: Laaibah is a popular Arabic girls’ name. It means ‘most beautiful from heaven’ and has connotations with beauty and religion.
Alternative spellings: Laaiba, Laiba, Laibah, Layba, Laybah
Meaning: Laced
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LAY see
Description: Lacey is a unisex name, taken from the surname Lassy. It could also derive from the fabric lace.
Alternative spellings: Laci, Lacie, Lacy, Laicee, Laicey, Laycie
Meaning: Dark-haired
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: LAY la
Description: Laila is a variant of the Persian name Leila, meaning ‘dark-haired’.
Alternative spellings: Lailah, Layla, Laylah, Leila, Leilah, Leyla
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LAYN ee
Description: Lainey is the pet form of the name Elaine, a French variant of the name Helen. The name carries connotations of beauty and brightness.
Alternative spellings: Lainey, Laini, Lainie, Lainy, Laney, Lanie, Lany, Laynee, Laynie, Leni
Meaning: Little rock
Origin: Gaelic
Pronunciation: lahn AH
Description: Lana is likely to be a Gaelic name meaning ‘little rock,’ although it could also be a shortened version of the German name Alana.
Meaning: Bright
Origin: French
Pronunciation: LAY nee
Description: As well as being a spelling variant of Lainey, meaning ‘bright’, the name Laney also derives from the French surname Delaney. A unisex name most commonly found on girls.
Alternative spellings: Lainey, Laini, Lainie, Lainy, Lanie, Lany, Laynee, Laynie, Leni
Meaning: From Larissa; cheerful
Origin: Russian
Pronunciation: LA ra
Description: Lara is a shortened Russian form of the name Larissa, and it first ventured into the English-speaking world in the early 20th century. It is considered a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Larah, Larrah
Meaning: Undoubting
Origin: Urdu
Pronunciation: lah RAYB
Description: Laraib is a name of Urdu origin, from a word meaning ‘undoubting’. It is often favoured by parents following the Islamic faith.
Alternative spellings: Laraaib, Larayb
Meaning: From Larissa; cheerful
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: lah RISS ah
Description: Larissa originates from Greece where it is the name of a city. It may have originally been used for girls born there, but could also come from the Latin ‘hilaris’, meaning ‘cheerful’.
Alternative spellings: Larisa, Larissah
Meaning: River; rock
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: LAHR na
Description: Larna is a variant of the Celtic name Lana. Both names derive from Alana, the feminine form of Alan.
Alternative spellings: Lahna, Lana
Meaning: Gentle
Origin: African
Pronunciation: lah TEE fah
Description: The name Latifah comes from a Swahili word meaning ‘gentle’. The name is found mainly in Africa.
Alternative spellings: Latefah, Latifa
Meaning: Happy
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: lah TEE sha
Description: Latisha is a variant of the Latin Laetitia, the Roman goddess associated with joy.
Alternative spellings: Laetitia, Latishah, Leticia
Meaning: Victorious One
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: la TOY ah
Description: Latoya is a Latin name meaning ‘victorious one’. It originates from the Spanish Toya, which is a nickname for Victoria.
Meaning: Laurel
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LAW ruh
Description: Laura is the feminine form of the Latin name Laurus, meaning ‘laurel’. The name was popularised in part by Italian poet Petrarch, who wrote love poems to a woman named Laura.
Alternative spellings: Laurah, Lora
Meaning: Laurel
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LOH rul
Description: Originally Laurel was a feminine name, deriving from the Old English laurel tree.
Alternative spellings: Loral
Meaning: From Laurentum
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LOR ren
Description: This feminine version of Laurence comes from the Roman name Laurentia.
Alternative spellings: Laurin, Lauryn, Lawren, Lorenne
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Victory
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LAW ree
Description: Originally a shortened version of the names Laura and Laurence, this unisex name is now used in its own right and means ‘victory’.
Alternative spellings: Lauri, Laury, Lawrie, Lowry
Meaning: Flower name
Origin: English
Pronunciation: lav EN dur
Description: Lavender is derived from the name of the purple, strong-scented flower. Like Rose and Tulip, Lavender is part of the trend of using flowers as given names.
Meaning: Mother of Rome
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: lah VEE ne ah
Description: The name of the mythical mother of Rome.
Alternative spellings: Laviniah, Lavinja, Lavinya
Meaning: Soft; gentle
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: lie YAAN
Description: Layan is a feminine Arabic name meaning ‘soft’ and ‘gentle’. It is a popular name given to newborn girls in the Arab world, and is related to names such as Lina, Leena and Lena, all of which have the same meaning.
Meaning: Spiritless
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LEE uh
Description: Leah, a biblical name, has grown in popularity since the 1990s and is now a favourite in Britain.
Alternative spellings: Lea, Leia, Leigha, Lia
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: lee AHN ah
Description: A modern name, created by combining the names Lee and Anna, Leanna could also derive from Helen, meaning ‘bright’.
Alternative spellings: Leana, Lianna
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: lee AN
Description: Leanne is a variant of Leanna and a combination of the names Lee and Anne. It could also derive from the Greek name Helen.
Alternative spellings: LeAnn, Leann, Lianne
Meaning: Wood; clearing
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LEE
Description: From the Old English word ‘lea’ meaning ‘clearing’ or ‘meadow’, this is a unisex name.
Alternative spellings: Lei. Leigh
Meaning: Dark-haired
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: LEE lah
Description: A phonetically spelt variation of the Persian name Leila, and most commonly pronounced ‘lie-la’, whereas Leela is pronounced ‘lee-la’.
Alternative spellings: Leelah, Leila, Leilah, Lila
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LEEN
Description: Leen is a Greek name, mainly found in Dutch-speaking countries. It derives as a pet name of the Dutch version of Helen, which is Helena, pronounced ‘heh-leen-a’.
Alternative spellings: Lean, Lene
Meaning: Palm tree
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: LEE nah
Description: In origin, an elongation of the Greek name Leen or a variant of the name Lina.
Alternative spellings: Leenah, Lena, Lenah, Lina, Linah
Meaning: Weary
Origin: Lithuanian
Pronunciation: lee YA
Description: Leja is an alternative spelling of the Lithuanian name Leah. The name ultimately comes from the Hebrew word ‘le’ah’, meaning ‘weary’.
Alternative spellings: Leah
Meaning: Heavenly lei
Origin: Hawaiian
Pronunciation: lay LAH nee
Description: This Hawaiian name is uncommon in Britain but gaining popularity in America. Lei is the Hawaiian name for flowers in a garland around the neck, which symbolise love, so Leilani may mean ‘heavenly love’.
Alternative spellings: Lailani, Laylani, Leilanee
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LAY nah
Description: Lena is a shortened name of the Greek name Helena, or the Greek name Magdalena. It could also be a spelling variant of the name Lina.
Alternative spellings: Leena, Leenah, Lenah, Lina, Linah
Meaning: Bright
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LAY nee
Description: Leni is one of many pet forms of the name Helen and a variation on Laney, from the name Helena.
Alternative spellings: Lainey, Laini, Lainie, Lainy, Laney, Lanie, Lany, Laynee, Laynie
Meaning: Lion
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LEE oh na
Description: Leona is a Latinate feminine form of the masculine name Leo, meaning ‘lion’.
Alternative spellings: Leonah, Liona
Meaning: Courageous
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: lee OH ne
Description: Leoni is a feminine version of the Latin name Leo, meaning ‘lion’ and was probably given as a virtuous name, meaning ‘courageous’.
Alternative spellings: Leonie, Leony, Lioni, Lionie, Liony
Meaning: Courageous
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LAY oh ne
Description: This name is a spelling variation of Leoni.
Alternative spellings: Leoni, Leony, Lioni, Lionie, Liony
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Happy
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: leh TEE shah
Description: Leticia is a variant of the Latin name Laetitia, the Roman goddess associated with joy.
Alternative spellings: Laetitia, Laticia, Latisha, Latishah
Meaning: Joy; Happiness
Origin: English
Pronunciation: let EE
Description: Lettie is the English diminutive of Letitia, a Latin name meaning ‘joy’ and ‘happiness’. Lettie can also be spelt Letty, and all three names have a traditional feel to them.
Alternative spellings: Letty
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Defender of man
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LEK see
Description: The name Lexi originated as a pet form of the names Alexandra, Alexa or Alexis, all feminine forms of the Greek name Alexander, meaning ‘man’s defender’.
Alternative spellings: Leksi, Leksy, Lexie, Lexy
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Always with God; law
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LEEY ah
Description: As well as being a variant of the Hebrew name Leeya, meaning ‘always with God’, Leya could also be considered a Spanish name, meaning ‘law’.
Alternative spellings: Leeya, Liya
Meaning: Captivating
Origin: French
Pronunciation: lee AH nah
Description: Liana is a French given name as well as a name for a vine which is often found in the rainforest. These factors imply that the meaning of the given name is along the lines of ‘ensnaring’ or ‘captivating’.
Alternative spellings: Leana, Lianah, Liyana
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LIB ee
Description: Libby originally came about as the pet form of Elizabeth, meaning ‘promised by God’. It is now a name in its own right, possibly based on a child’s attempt to say ‘Elizabeth’.
Alternative spellings: Libbi, Libbie
Meaning: Freedom
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LIB er tee
Description: Liberty derives from the Latin word ‘libertas’, meaning ‘free’. The name has strong links to America due to the Statue of Liberty.
Alternative spellings: Liberti, Libertie
Meaning: Dark-haired
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: LEE lah; LYE la
Description: Lila is a phonetically spelt variation of the name Leila, which is of Persian origin and means ‘dark-haired’.
Alternative spellings: Leela, Leelah, Leila, Leilah, Lilah, Lilla, Lillah
Meaning: Bright one; God is perfection
Origin: Welsh
Pronunciation: lil LEE
Description: This name has become very popular in English-speaking countries in recent years due to current trends. This name has roots in the Old Greek language, meaning ‘bright one’, and Old Hebrew, where it means ‘God is perfection’. It was once that this name was a pet form of the name Elizabeth; however it is now considered a forename in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Lily, Lillie, Lilly
Meaning: Lilies
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LIL ee ah
Description: The name Lilia comes from the Latin word ‘lilia’, meaning ‘lilies’. Lily is a very popular name choice at the moment and Lilia could make a nice alternative.
Alternative spellings: Lilah, Lillia, Lilliah
Meaning: Lily flower
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: lil ee An
Description: Lilian is an elaboration upon the Latin name Lily, itself coming from the commonly white flower. As with the name Lily, it can also be spelt with two Ls.
Alternative spellings: Lillian
Meaning: Peace and grace
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LIH lee AH nah
Description: Lilianna is thought to be a relatively new name, created by combining Lily and Anna. The lily is a Christian symbol of peace and Anna means ‘grace’, so Lilianna could mean ‘graceful flower’ or ‘peace and grace’.
Alternative spellings: Liliana, Lilliana, Lillianna
Meaning: Flower; promised by God
Origin: English
Pronunciation: lili BETH
Description: Lilibeth is a combination of Lily, the flower and Beth, from Elizabeth meaning ‘promised by God’. As such, it has a combined meaning from both names.
Meaning: Of the night
Origin: Assyrian
Pronunciation: lil ITH
Description: Lilith is the name of a demon in ancient Assyrian myths, and the name itself means ‘of the night’ in Akkadian. In Jewish tradition, she was Adam’s first wife before she was cast out of Eden for not being submissive to him.
Meaning: Peace
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LIH lee
Description: Lilla has come about as a variant of the extremely popular name Lily. Lily could be taken as a shortened form of Elizabeth or from the flower name.
Alternative spellings: Lila, Lilah, Lillah
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LIL ee an
Description: Lillian is an elaboration upon the Latin name Lily, which comes from the name of the white flower. It can be spelt so that there is an emphasis on the ‘anne’ element of the name.
Alternative spellings: Lilian, Lilianne, Lillianne
Meaning: Generous one
Origin: Hawaiian
Pronunciation: lee LOH
Description: Lilo is a Hawaiian name meaning ‘generous one’. It was made famous by the Disney animated film, Lilo and Stitch.
Meaning: White flower; purity
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LILL lee
Description: The name Lily comes from the English word for the flower. It is regarded in many cultures as a symbol of purity and in Christian belief it is a symbol of peace. The name has recently enjoyed a huge popularity boost and is very popular in the UK and US.
Alternative spellings: Lili, Lilli, Lillie, Lilly
Meaning: Palm tree
Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: LEE nah
Description: Lina originally came about as a shortened form of Carolina and Avelina. It is now a given name in its own right and may originate from the Arabic for ‘palm tree’.
Alternative spellings: Leena, Leenah, Lena, Lenah, Linah
Meaning: Pretty; neat; snake
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LIN da
Description: The popular name Linda may have originally developed as a shortened form of Belinda. The word ‘linda’ also means ‘pretty’ in Spanish, ‘neat’ in Italian and ‘snake’ in German.
Alternative spellings: Lynda
Meaning: Lincoln island
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LIN zee
Description: Originally, Lindsay was a Scottish surname, but it is now a forename found worldwide. Sometimes seen as a boys’ name in Scotland and Australia, it is usually a female name.
Alternative spellings: Lindsee, Lindsey, Lindsi, Lindsie, Linsay, Linsee, Linsey, Linsi, Linsie, Lyndsay, Lyndsey, Lynsay, Lynsey
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LEE suh
Description: Lisa is a variant of the less popular name Liza, itself a shortened form of Elizabeth. It may also be considered a shortening of the spelling Elisabeth.
Alternative spellings: Leesa, Lissa
Meaning: Honey bee
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LEE sah
Description: Lissa, once a short version of Melissa, is now a name in its own right. It can also be considered a variant of the name Lisa.
Alternative spellings: Leesa, Lisa
Meaning: Peace; olive
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LIV ee uh
Description: Livia is considered the shortened form of Olive, a tree that symbolises peace in Christian tradition. It is thought to have derived from the Roman family name Livius, meaning ‘blue’. It is often shortened to Liv.
Alternative spellings: Liviah, Livja, Lyvia
Meaning: Peace; olive
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LIV ee
Description: Livvy could be the pet form of the names Olivia, Olive or Livia. All of these names are of Latin origin and mean ‘olive’ or ‘olive tree’.
Alternative spellings: Livi, Livie, Livvi, Livvi, Livvie, Livy
Meaning: Captivating
Origin: French
Pronunciation: lee AH nah
Description: Liyana is probably a variant form of Liana, which is a feminine name of French origin and it is said to refer to twining around. It is the name of a tropical rainforest vine. These factors imply that the meaning of the name is along the lines of ‘ensnaring’ or ‘captivating’.
Alternative spellings: Liyanah, Liana
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LIZ
Description: Originally a short form of Elizabeth, Liz means ‘promised from God’ and is a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Lizz
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LY zuh
Description: Liza is a shortened form of Eliza, which derives from the name Elizabeth. It is sometimes seen as an alternative to the name Lisa.
Alternative spellings: Lizah, Lyza
Meaning: Promised by God
Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LIZ ee
Description: Lizzie is a pet form of the popular name Elizabeth, but it is also found as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Lizzi, Lizzy
See entry in ‘Names for Baby Boys A–Z’
Meaning: Unknown
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LOW is
Description: Lois is a biblical name of obscure origin and meaning. In the New Testament it is found as the name of the grandmother of Timothy. The family of Timothy all have names of Greek origin so it is presumed that Lois is also a Greek name.
Alternative spellings: Loiss, Lowis
Meaning: Sorrows
Origin: Spanish
Pronunciation: LO luh
Description: Lola was originally a pet form of the Spanish name Dolores, but is now an independent given name.
Alternative spellings: Lolah
Meaning: Rock in the River Rhine
Origin: German
Pronunciation: LOR eh lye
Description: Lorelai comes from an Old German myth about a woman who waited for her lover on a rock in the River Rhine. When he failed to arrive she jumped to her death. There is a rock in the river named after her.
Alternative spellings: Laurelai, Laureli, Lorelei, Loreli
Meaning: From the province of Lorraine
Origin: Spanish
Pronunciation: lo RAYN ah
Description: Lorena is the Spanish form of the name Lorraine, a French name meaning ‘from the province of Lorraine,’ a region in north-eastern France. Lorena is a name often heard in Hispanic communities.
Meaning: Laurel tree
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LAWR ee
Description: Lorie has a strong connotation with the English name Laurel, which refers to the laurel tree.
Alternative spellings: Laurie, Lory, Lori
Meaning: From Lorn
Origin: Scottish
Pronunciation: lor NAH
Description: Lorna is a name that developed in Scotland, and would have referred to someone who hailed from the town of Lorn.
Meaning: Womanly
Origin: French
Pronunciation: LOT ee
Description: Lottie is a pet form of the name Charlotte; however it carries a separate meaning of ‘womanly’.
Alternative spellings: Lotti, Lotty
Meaning: Beautiful warrior
Origin: American
Pronunciation: loo ELL ah
Description: Louella is a fairly modern name that combines the names Louise and Helen. Louise is of French origin and means ‘famed warrior’, while Ella derives from the Greek Helen meaning ‘bright’ and associated with beauty. We can therefore take the meaning to be ‘beautiful warrior’.
Alternative spellings: Loella, Louela, Luella
Meaning: Famed warrior
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: loo EE zah
Description: Louisa is the feminine form of the French name Louis, originally derived from Latin.
Alternative spellings: Louesa, Louiza, Luisa
Meaning: Famed warrior
Origin: French
Pronunciation: LOO ease
Description: Louise is the primary feminine version of the French name Louis and is a popular name in Britain.
Alternative spellings: Louize, Luise
Meaning: Craggy slope
Origin: Basque
Pronunciation: lords
Description: Lourdes is a Basque name meaning ‘craggy slope’. It was made popular because Madonna named her daughter Lourdes.
Alternative spellings: Lords, Lordes
Meaning: Joy
Origin: English
Pronunciation: lo EN na
Description: Lowenna is a rare English name, specifically deriving from the county of Cornwall. It is found as a place name in many parts of the world. It means ‘joy’ and can also be found spelt with a single ‘n’.
Alternative spellings: Lowena, Lowenah
Meaning: Crown of laurels
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LAUW ree
Description: Lowri is the Welsh equivalent of the name Laura, which is derived from the Latin word for ‘laurel’. It is quite a well-known name in Wales.
Alternative spellings: Lauri, Laurie, Laury, Lawrie
Meaning: Moon
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LOO ah
Description: Lua is an uncommon girls’ name of Latin origin and a variant of the name Luna, the Latin word for moon and the name of the Roman goddess of the moon.
Alternative spellings: Looa, Luah
Meaning: Favoured warrior
Origin: French
Pronunciation: loo AHN ah
Description: Luana is thought to be a combination of the names Louise and Anna. Louise is of French origin, meaning ‘famous warrior’, while Anna is of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘grace’ and ‘God favours’.
Alternative spellings: Louana, Louanna, Luanna
Meaning: Light
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: loo CHEE ah
Description: St Lucia, a popular saint in northern Europe, represents light and is celebrated on 13 December, when light is scarce.
Alternative spellings: Loucia, Lucya
Meaning: Light
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: loo SIN dah
Description: Lucinda came about as an embellished version of the name Lucy, meaning ‘light’. Traditionally the Romans used to give the name to baby girls born at dawn.
Alternative spellings: Loucinda, Lucindah, Lucynda
Meaning: Light
Origin: French
Pronunciation: LOO see
Description: Lucy comes from the Old French name Lucie, derived from the Latin word ‘lux’ , meaning ‘light’. It was in fairly widespread use back in the Middle Ages, increasing greatly in popularity in the 1990s.
Alternative spellings: Luci, Lucie
Meaning: Famed warrior
Origin: French
Pronunciation: loo EH la
Description: Luella is a variant of Louella, a feminine name of relatively modern coinage. The name is a compound of the two favourite feminine names, Louise and Ella. Louise is of ultimately French origin and comes from the masculine Louis meaning ‘famed warrior’. Ella is the pet form of the French Eleanor, which is itself the French variant of the Greek Helen. Although both the root names are French in origin, Luella is thought to have been invented in English-speaking countries.
Alternative spellings: Louella
Meaning: No meaning
Origin: English
Pronunciation: loo LAH
Description: Lula is a diminutive of Louise and another other name that starts with Lu. It is also a nickname that is similar to Lulu, Lula or Lou.
Meaning: Light; famed warrior
Origin: German
Pronunciation: LOO loo
Description: Lulu came about as a pet form of the names Lucy and Louise, but is now often found as a name in its own right.
Alternative spellings: Loulou
Meaning: Moon
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LOO nah
Description: The name Luna comes from the Latin word for the moon.
Alternative spellings: Loona, Louna, Lunah
Meaning: Woman from Lydia
Origin: Greek
Pronunciation: LID ee uh
Description: Lydia was originally a place name for an area in Asia. In the New Testament, Lydia was converted by St Paul to Christianity.
Alternative spellings: Lidia, Lidiya, Lidya
Meaning: Dark-haired
Origin: Persian
Pronunciation: LYE lah
Description: Lyla can be seen as a spelling variant of the names Leila and Lila. Unlike these names, there is only one common pronunciation of Lyla.
Alternative spellings: Leila, Leilah, Lila, Lilah, Lylah
Meaning: Pretty
Origin: English
Pronunciation: LIN
Description: Lynn is a name of uncertain origin. It is thought to be a shortened form of Linda, in which case it would mean ‘pretty’. It could also be a Gaelic surname related to water.
Alternative spellings: Lyn, Lynne
Meaning: Lyre
Origin: Latin
Pronunciation: LY ra
Description: Lyra is a modern name derived from the Latin for ‘lyre’, a stringed instrument. Lyra is also the name of a star constellation and so has connotations of brightness.
Alternative spellings: Lyrah